Senior Systems Engineer — Orthopaedics & Surgical Robotics

Johnson & Johnson Innovation; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson in Boston/Raynham seeks a Senior System Engineer to define, integrate, and evaluate advanced technology prototypes for surgical robotics and digital orthopedic applications. You will work with cross‑functional teams to translate hypotheses into feasibility plans, prototype requirements, and demonstration plans.

The role emphasizes rapid learning, rigorous evaluation, and documenting risks, with hands‑on integration of external technologies and subsystems in early-stage concepts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in multidisciplinary systems engineering, prototype development, or applied research.
• Experience with Class II or Class III medical devices, surgical robotics, navigation, or digital surgery is preferred. Prior exposure to assisting with test execution is a plus.
• Knowledge of embedded systems, software/firmware development, electromechanical systems, sensing technologies, or controls is a plus.
• Strong hands-on mindset, collaborative working style, and intellectual curiosity for emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive system definition and demonstration strategy for advanced technology prototypes and proofs of concept, including architecture, integration approach, and success criteria.
• Develop and document prototype requirements, translating technology hypotheses and early user needs into clear, verifiable criteria.
• Collaborate across R&D, clinical, quality, regulatory, and engineering disciplines to assess technology feasibility and integration potential.
• Work hands-on with prototypes, demonstration setups, and experimental platforms to accelerate technical learning and decision-making.
• Develop prototype system architectures integrating external technologies, electromechanical subsystems, software, sensing, and controls.
• Apply risk-based engineering judgment to identify prototype hazards, technical limitations, and evidence gaps.
• Define system behaviors, demonstration scenarios, performance metrics, and acceptance criteria for feasibility studies, working with a high degree of independence.
• Plan and execute feasibility and characterization studies for foundational technologies and early prototypes in lab or simulated use environments.
• Lead technical reviews of prototypes and technology options, contributing to discussions on assumptions, risks, and trade-offs.
• Define prototype interfaces to ensure compatibility, demonstration readiness, and safe integration across subsystems.
• Apply robust experimental design and data-driven evaluation methods, including statistical analysis and repeatability assessment.
• Characterize prototype performance, durability, accuracy, and failure modes under representative experimental conditions.
• Support documentation of feasibility results, limitations, and integration risks for technology transition decisions.
• Investigate prototype anomalies observed during demonstrations, lead root cause analysis, and help define corrective actions.
• Assist in performing select verification or characterization tests on prototypes as needed, supporting the broader test team with hands-on execution and data collection.
• Partner with the Project Manager to prepare, plan, and lead cadaveric specimen testing of prototypes, coordinating logistics, protocols, and technical readiness for these studies.
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced, agile advanced technology environment, adapting plans quickly as priorities evolve.
• Support advanced technology planning, including prototype build plans and feasibility schedules, and provide technical guidance to less experienced engineers.
• Prepare and deliver prototype demonstrations for internal stakeholders, leadership, and external partners, ensuring prototypes are demonstration-ready and clearly showcase key capabilities and learnings.
• Support Voice of Customer (VoC) activities and surgeon engagement events by preparing prototypes, coordinating logistics, and capturing structured feedback to inform technology maturation.

Skills

Analytical Reasoning

Coaching

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Process Oriented

Product Design

Requirements Analysis

Research and Development

SAP Product Lifecycle Management

Scripting Languages

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Software Development Management

Software Engineering Practices

Software Testing

Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

Technical Credibility

Technologically Savvy

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems/Software/Mechatronics/Electrical Engineering

Tools

SAP Product Lifecycle Management

Job description

Johnson & Johnson in Boston/Raynham seeks a Senior System Engineer to define, integrate, and evaluate advanced technology prototypes for surgical robotics and digital orthopedic applications. You will work with cross‑functional teams to translate hypotheses into feasibility plans, prototype requirements, and demonstration plans.

The role emphasizes rapid learning, rigorous evaluation, and documenting risks, with hands‑on integration of external technologies and subsystems in early-stage concepts.